Palmetto Carriage Works — Attraction in Charleston

The French Quarter Inn recommended this tour and booked it for us. We enjoyed it, though there was one negativity that I will mention as I believe in both positive and constructive feedback. Josh has a little bit of an arrogant edge to him. Obviously he knows his stuff, however he just comes across like an arrogant professor instead of a helpful and nice tour guide. Normally we give a $10-20 tip for nice, funny, and informative tour guides, however we only gave Josh $5. I made a comment about one of the horses having their head hung down and maybe being tired (compared to our younger horse) and he got defensive and condescending saying that he doesn't like it when humans attribute human traits onto animals; basically he chastised me in front of the group. I think he was just being defensive because he knows how well they take care of their team, with the beloved horses being an integral part of their team; however, he could have been more tactful. Anyway, overall, he just comes across arrogantly and I would not want to be on his tour again. Probably just youthful arrogance. (that's the only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5). Oh - one other bit of hopefully helpful advice: I think it would be helpful if the employees would point out at check-in that you can get a private tour. I didn't notice that sign until we were waiting in the waiting area and I would have definitely done a private tour instead. But no one mentioned that and I saw no signs about this anywhere either, again until the waiting area. :) 6/6/25 Edit: I realize what Josh is missing: it's the Southern Hospitality feel which Charleston is known for. Every place we went (hotel, shops, restaurants), everyone was the epitome of Southern Charm & Hospitality; not so w/Josh. A tour telling Charleston's history mandates this type of delivery. I am sure he is a nice guy, just missing this in his...

Thanks to Luke and America, the Belgian Draft Horse. I’m used to engines that run on gasoline — this was my first ride in one powered by muscle and oats. I felt a little sorry for America at first, but after hearing that he gets excellent treatment—a six-on, eight-off work schedule ，full medical care and massage services—definitely eased my mind. Luke’s narration was humorous and engaging. I really took notes seriously, including: City Market, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery, the powder magazine with thousands of pounds of sand piled on the roof, the old city walls that defended against Native Americans, Spaniards, and the French, the shopping hotspot King Street, and the dizzying height of Charleston’s highest point (a whopping 12 feet!), it was full of fun facts. Also: Boone Hall Plantation’s Charleston Gray Bricks, the Jenkins Orphanage, piazzas, gas lanterns, the gorget on the state flag, hush puppies, Haint Blue window and door frames, the Old City Jail, Six Mile House, The Canterbury retirement home, Charleston Place Hotel, and the Blind Tiger Speakeasy. By the way, Luke—about that woman in the white dress sitting on your horse—were you serious? Also, about the “Charleston Shuffle”… I accidentally did one on the way back and I’m really sorry if I startled the lady behind me. Anyway, this was a surprising and rewarding journey full of discoveries. Thanks again to Luke...

DO THIS TOUR FIRST BEFORE WALKING ON FOOT! You get a lot of information and you can then better decide where to spend your time.

I took my first horse and carriage ride this week while in Charleston from Georgia for a medical appointment. My friend came with me to help with driving and I wanted to treat her to something fun as well as take a break from walking in the hot and humid weather.

David was our driver and tour guide with TiK ToK, his beautiful horse partner. We learned that TiK ToK was a rescue horse and has a say in how long (how many years) he works vs when he retires. We were impressed with the care given to the horses, and the kind way David spoke to TiK ToK. I can’t imagine having a better tour guide than David! He is a Charleston native and a “reformed” attorney with a true gift for relaying information in a tantalizing and humorous manner. I learned so many fascinating things during that hour spent with him that I went out and bought several books about Charleston history just to feed my curiosity.

The tour was fun and breezy during the heat of the day. And it was the perfect amount of time. The staff at the ticket counter and in the barn were all so kind and welcoming! And we got to visit a bit with the beautiful horses as well! Our carriage ride was the best part of this trip and I will...